Brazilian born, Erica believes that dance encourages us to stay rooted in our bodies as we act, make decisions, and participate in the world; it all transpires from the personal. She has been nurturing and enabling people to become involved in dance so they can better understand and appreciate it.

Erica has worked with Cathy Coughlan (YES Scheme) , Mariam Ribon (DYDC), Iselichiodi Dance Company (Dance Residency mentored by the French choreographer Helene Chatala), Ciaran Gray and others. She had been funded for 4 consecutive years by the Laois Arts Office to teach dance in schools as part of the Artist in Schools Scheme.

In 2013 she founded Laois Youth Dance Ensemble with the support of Dunamaise Arts Centre and in the same year she launched Laois Dance Platform. The event showcases national & international dance works, featuring performances by professional dancers.

Her choreographies have been touring internationally (e.g.: Paris Dance Project (FRA) and she’s committed in bringing to Laois Dance Academy students not only dance experience, but essential skills for them to develop as dancers.

Emily Kilkenny Roddy

Hip Hop

Hip Hop & Contemporary Fusion

Emily studied Dance Advanced first at Bray Institute of Further Education to later complete her BA (hons) Degree in Dance Studies from the University of Chichester in England. Since graduating with a 1st class honours degree in 2016, she has worked and performed for national and international artists/companies including Atom- R, Lea Anderson, David Bolger, Loosysmokes and Nacera Belaza. She has been teaching in renowed Performing Arts Schools and is now very excited to begin teaching with Laois Dance Academy. With training in various styles including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Hip hop/commercial she loves helping students of all ages discover their passion in such a diverse art form.

Amy Dunne

Creative Ballet

Irish Dance & Contemporary Fusion

Amy Dunne is currently undertaking a BA in Dance in the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, UL and has been trained as Irish Dancer since she was 5 years old.
Having completed all her grade examinations with An Comhdhail (Irish dance), she is happy to share her experience with the ‘Irish & Contemporary fusion’ students at the Laois Dance Academy.

In addition to Hip-Hop and Popular Theatre, Amy has been trained at UL in Classical Ballet with Sophia Bailey (RAD) and Patricia Crosbie (Cork City Ballet); Contemporary dance with Lisa McLoughlin, Jazmin Chiodi (Iseli-Chiodi Company), John Scott And Ryan O’Neill (Irish Modern Dance Theatre), David Bolger and Emma O’Kane (Cois Ceim), Theo Clinkard and Liz Roche (Liz Roche Company), Leonie McDonagh (Ponydance). She considers herself very fortunate to be able to work with talented Irish and internationally renowned professional dancers through her studies and is enthusiastic about passing on her knowledge to younger dancers.

Hi There,
What I have for teenagers at moment is Laois Youth Dance Ensemble. A contemporary dance group meeting in the Dunamaise every Saturday 3-5pm. If you need more details, please do not hesitate in contact me. Regards, Erica (087-132-8852)

Thanks for your message. At the moment I’ve 2 options: Contemporary dance class on Fridays 5-6pm and Laois Youth Dance Ensemble on Saturdays 3-5pm. The Friday class is suitable for children from 8-11 years old, but if you don’t mind working with younger people than you, I welcome you in. The Laois Youth Dance ensemble is a dance company and admission is through free trial/audition. The age group in the ensemble is 12-19 years old and to join you need to commit. Please let me know what you prefer. If you can ring me also: 0871328852.
I’m looking forward to hear from you.
Regards,
Erica Borges.